2026 CNPS-SLO Chapter Banquet (RSVP Now–Pay At Door–Cost $10)

NEW: to raise money for scholarships, we will have SANTA CRUZ ISLAND DUDLEYA plants (Dudleya virens) at the registration table available for a minimum donation to the McLeod Scholarship fund of $10 per 4-inch pot. These plants were originally started by seed by students at Los Osos Middle School, potted up by volunteers at the Morro Bay Bird Festival, and tended by John Chesnut. You can find out more about cultivating this species of Dudleya at Calscape here. Thank you for your generosity in supporting students learning about and researching native plants.

Keep the evening of Saturday, September 12, 2026 open for our annual chapter banquet. Following the great success of our last banquet, we are going to gather again at the Rancho El Chorro Conference Center. Expect great food contributed by your fellow chapter members in this potluck style dinner, along with presentation of awards and a repeat of the popular Native Plant Trivia Contest, courtesy of former Chapter Vice-President Jaqueline Rose and hosted by Vice-President Mike Butler and Secretary Kyle Suchy.

Social Hour - 4:30 pm
Buffet Style Potluck Dinner - 5:30 pm
Chapter Business/Awards - 6:30 pm
Native Plant Trivia Contest - 7:15 pm

Potluck suggestions: CNPS will be provide wine, beer, coffee, tea, and assorted beverages. Plates, glasses, cups, and eating utensils are available at the venue or bring your own reusable dishes. For the dinner potluck, we are asking those with last names beginning with the following letters to bring the suggested item (and serving utensils). However, if you have a dish you especially want to share with the group, please feel free to bring it or contact Lauren (805-570-7993 or brownlm4560@gmail.com) for suggestions.

A to H: salad (with dressing) or side dish
I to Q: dessert
R to Z: main meat or veggie dish
Please label your dish and put your name on your serving items so they can be returned to you.

Directions: From Highway 1 take Education Drive (will be a right coming from San Luis Obispo, and a left coming from Morro Bay), in 0.4 miles, turn right onto Pennington Creek Road, in 0.4 miles (past the Outdoor School building) turn right, in 200 feet turn left, in 100 feet building is on the right. Parking is in front of building with additional parking below.

We are seeking volunteers to set up and clean up for this event, arriving a half hour early (4 pm) and/or staying half hour late (9 pm). Please let Lauren know if you can help (brownlm4560@gmail.com).

Photo of 2025 banquet at Rancho El Chorro by Jim Schubert